Display case

ABSTRACT

A display case for an ornamental figurine. The display case includes a transparent cover, a post configured to receive the ornamental figurine, and a base configured to receive the post and to removably couple with the transparent cover. The transparent cover may include elements configured to receive a decorative backing. The base may include a gap configured to receive the decorative backing, such that the decorative backing extends from the base through the top of the cover. The base may include two parts, an upper part and a lower part, wherein the lower part is configured to receive the upper part. The upper part of the base may be open on the bottom or one side to allow a user to access the bottom of the post for removal. The post may include one or more holes configured to receive a pin backing of an ornament or a figurine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to displays, and, more specifically, to displays for figurines and ornaments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ornaments (figurines) configured to be attached to clothing by means of a pin attachment are often prized by their owners due to heirloom status or a particular affinity for the lifestyle, hobby, etc. which the ornament may represent. However, when the ornaments are not being worn, they are often stored out of sight in a jewelry box or other container, preventing their owners from enjoying them. The present invention aims to remedy this by providing a safe, transparent storage and display mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to displays, and, more specifically, to displays for figurines and ornaments.

This invention is comprised essentially of a transparent cover, a base, and a post. The transparent cover may be configured to fit snugly over the top of the base, and the post may be configured to couple with the base such that the post, and the ornaments coupled thereto, are visible through the transparent cover.

The base may include two parts, an upper and a lower part, which is configured, in part, to grant access to the underside of the upper base, allowing a user to disconnect the base from the post. The post may be insertably coupleable, including tabs that are compressed to be inserted into an opening of the base, which tabs then expand when clearing the walls of the opening, locking the post in the base. For removal, the tabs can be compressed and the post lifted from the base. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the base may be configured to sit within a perimeter of the lower portion of the base. The transparent cover may, in some embodiments, sit atop an edge formed by the perimeter of the lower portion of the base, covering the post and the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the transparent cover may include tabs configured to hold a decorative backing. The taps may be disposed at any portion along one or more vertical walls of the transparent cover, securing the decorative backing against one or more of the walls of the cover. In preferred embodiments, the tabs may be disposed inside the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the tabs may be on one or more external walls. In some embodiments, the decorative backing may be further disposed within a gap formed between the upper and lower portions of the base. In some embodiments, the decorative backing may include additional functional elements, such as protective coatings for ultraviolet light exposure, a plastic or laminate covering to prevent the backing from becoming folded or torn, and more.

In some embodiments, the post may be entirely or substantially vertical. In other embodiments, it may be disposed at an angle to horizontal, depending on which ornament is configured to be coupled with the post. In some embodiments, the post may include an extension upon which a FigPin™ can rest. In some embodiments, the post may include one or more holes through which the backing of an ornament, a brooch, an earring, a tack, etc., can be disposed. In some embodiments, the holes may be configured to receive a straight pin backing. In other embodiments, the holes may be configured to receive a locking pin mechanism.

In addition to the foregoing, various other methods, systems and/or program product embodiments are set forth and described in the teachings such as the text (e.g., claims, drawings and/or the detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the device and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of the display case;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the display case in the closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side view thereof; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of one embodiment of the display post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to displays, and, more specifically, to displays for figurines and ornaments.

Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-4 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

Importantly, a grouping of inventive aspects in any particular “embodiment” within this detailed description, and/or a grouping of limitations in the claims presented herein, is not intended to be a limiting disclosure of those particular aspects and/or limitations to that particular embodiment and/or claim. The inventive entity presenting this disclosure fully intends that any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation ever presented relative to the instant disclosure and/or any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application (e.g. continuation, continuation-in-part, and/or divisional applications) may be practiced with any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation. Claimed combinations which draw from different embodiments and/or originally-presented claims are fully within the possession of the inventive entity at the time the instant disclosure is being filed. Any future claim comprising any combination of limitations, each such limitation being herein disclosed and therefore having support in the original claims or in the specification as originally filed (or that of any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application), is possessed by the inventive entity at present irrespective of whether such combination is described in the instant specification because all such combinations are viewed by the inventive entity as currently operable without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein and therefore that any such future claim would not represent new matter.

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of the display case. The case is comprised essentially of a transparent cover 101, a base 201, and a post 301. In the simplest embodiment, post 301 is inserted into upper base 202, which is placed into lower base 201, and cover 101 is placed over the base, resting on an upper edge of the lower base.

In some embodiments, cover 101 may also include tabs 102, which are configured to hold backing 103. Backing 103 may be a thin sheet of paper, plastic, metal, wood, or some other decorative element, and it may be optionally inserted into the cover 101 to provide additional aesthetics to the display, to provide context for the ornament or figurine on display, or more. In some embodiments, backing 103 may be configured to protect the figurine from exposure to sunlight or other destructive elements. In other embodiments, backing 103 may include plastic or laminate coatings to prevent damage and wear to the backing. The backing may be configured to provide additional context or a scene relative to the ornament or figurine to be displayed. When assembled, backing 103 may either rest upon upper base 202, or, in some embodiments, the upper base may include a recess formed by extensions 204 on two sides of the upper base, the recess configured to permit the backing to slide into place and rest within the space formed by the tabs, the outer wall of the upper base, and the inner wall of lower base 201.

Cover 101 may also include an open end 104, configured to receive upper base 202. In preferred embodiments, the perimeter formed by open end 104 will be substantially the same size and shape as the perimeter formed by the walls of lower base 201. Upper base 202 is configured to fit within the lower base 201 and the cover 101, providing a secure but openable assembled unit. In some embodiments, one of cover 101, lower base 201, or upper base 202 may include security elements, such as a click tab or a press tab that automatically engages when the cover and the bases are assembled, and which can be depressed or otherwise disengaged by a user when the user wishes to access the interior of the case. In other embodiments, the cover 101 and bases 201 and 202 may be held together largely by frictional forces between the elements, such as a contact force between the interior of the cover and the exterior of the upper base. In some embodiments, lower base 201 may include a solid bottom, such that the lower base is essentially an open-top box.

In some embodiments, the display case may include a post 301, configured to be removably coupleable with the figurine 500. Post 301 may be configured to be inserted into a gap 203 in upper base 202. Additional detail on this function will be discussed with FIG. 4. At a high level, post 301 may include one or more tabs 303 that can be compressed and inserted into a gap 203 in upper base 202, wherein the width of the gap is slightly narrower than the width between the exterior portions of the tabs. In this context, “slightly narrower” will be relative, and can be effectively illustrated with functional language. That is to say that the gap 203 will, in preferred embodiments, be narrower than the width of the tabs 303 such that, when the tabs are inserted, they compress, and when the tabs clear the thickness of the upper wall of the upper base 202, they release, creating a secure coupling between the post 301 and the upper base. To facilitate this function, tabs 303 may include an angled exterior portion that, when pressed against the edges of gap 203, cause the tabs to move inward, allowing them to slip into the gap. Again, this will be further discussed with FIG. 4. Upper base 202 may be substantially or entirely open on the bottom, allowing a user to access tabs 303 in order to release them from the upper base. This may be useful for allowing a user to change or replace elements of the case if they are damaged, or to allow a user to change which figurine is displayed without opening a delicate mechanism on the figurine. In other embodiments, upper base 202 may be substantially or entirely closed or solid on the bottom, such that once the post 301 is inserted into upper base 202, the coupling is essentially permanent. This may be beneficial for use around small children, preventing them from releasing the smaller part from the larger whole and injuring themselves or someone else with it.

In preferred embodiments, post 301 is configured to be removably coupleable with the FigPin™ ornament display. The FigPin™ ornament display is configured to allow a user to convert a figurine 500 into a standing display or a wearable ornament via post 501. This will also be discussed further with FIG. 4, but figurine 500 and post 501 are shown here for context.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the display case in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, backing 103 is inserted into tabs 102 of cover 101, which is placed on top of lower base 201 with the open bottom 104 resting on the edge of the lower base. Upper base 202 is disposed within the lower base 201 and cover 101 such that it is slightly elevated over the edge of the lower base, allowing the figurine 500 to sit entirely within the transparent portion of the case. FIG. 3 is a side view of the same embodiment, showing that figurine 500 is removably coupled with post 301 via backing 501. This will be discussed further with FIG. 4. In this embodiment, post 301 is disposed such that it is substantially disposed at the center of the upper base 202. However, it should be understood that some figurines might necessitate moving the post 301 to other areas of the upper base 202, and that doing so will not substantially alter the functions of the post, the base, or the display case as a whole.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of one embodiment of the display post 301. Display post 301 is comprised of a rigid, vertical upper portion, which may include one or more holes 306. Holes 306 allow a pin backing of a figurine or an ornament, such as the FigPin™ or a brooch, to be disposed through the holes and closed, securing the figurine to the post for vertical display. In the case of a needle pin type of ornament, the pin may be disposed through one of holes 306 and the back placed onto the pin, the same as if the pin were to be worn on an item of clothing. In the case of a locking pin mechanism, the pin may be disposed first through one of holes 306 and then through a second of the holes and locked in place, the same as if the pin were to be worn on an item of clothing. Display post 301 also may include a triangular extension 302 toward the base of the post. This feature lends stability to the post in the case. It also allows the post 301 to interact more completely with the backing of the FigPin™ ornament display, the backing of which has an angled support to allow the figurine to stand on a flat surface.

Display post 301 may further include tabs 303 on either side of the post. Tabs 303 are configured to be inserted into gap 203 of upper base 202, the walls of the gap compressing the tabs inward to allow them to slip through the gap and into the base. In some embodiments, the walls of gap 203 may extend significantly below the top portion of upper base 202. In other embodiments, the walls may be only as thick as the top portion of upper base 202. Tabs 303 will be configured such that, when the upper edges 304 of tabs 303 reach the end of the walls of gap 203, the tabs return to their original position, extending back outward, and allowing the upper edges to contact or nearly contact the internal surface of the top portion or the ends of the walls, as applicable. Upper edges 304 prevent accidental displacement of post 301 by interfering with the lower edges of the walls of gap 203 or the underside of the top of upper base 202. If a user wishes to remove the post 301 from the upper base 202, the user may, in some embodiments, reach the tabs 303 via the open underside of upper base 202. In other embodiments, the underside of base 202 may be closed, preventing users, especially children, from accidentally removing the post 301 from the upper base 202.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

While preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

1. A display case, comprising: a transparent cover; at least one display post, the at least one display post including at least: at least one vertical portion including an upper end and a lower end; at least two tabs disposed on the lower end, the at least two tabs disposed on opposite sides of the at least one display post; and at least one triangular portion disposed above the at least two tabs, the at least one triangular portion extending horizontally away from the at least one vertical portion; an upper base including at least one gap, the at least one gap configured to receive at least one display post, the at least one gap further configured to removably secure the at least one display post by compressing the at least two tabs of the display post until they pass through the at least one gap; and a lower base configured to receive the upper base within a perimeter formed by walls of the lower base.
 2. The display case of claim 1, wherein the transparent cover comprises: four walls coupled with a substantially rectangular top; at least a first tab disposed on at least one side of one wall and proximate to the substantially rectangular top; at least a second tab disposed on at least one side of the one wall opposite the first tab and proximate to the substantially rectangular top, wherein the four walls form a lower perimeter that is open.
 3. The display case of claim 2, wherein the perimeter formed by the four walls is configured to rest upon an edge of the lower based formed by the walls of the lower base.
 4. The display case of claim 1, wherein the upper base including at least one gap comprises: an open box upper base comprised of four walls joined by a substantially rectangular top surface, the top surface including the at least one gap, wherein the four walls form a lower perimeter that is open.
 5. The display case of claim 1, wherein the lower base comprises: an open box base comprised of four walls joined by a substantially rectangular bottom, wherein the four walls form an upper perimeter that is open.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The post of claim 6, wherein the at least one vertical portion comprises: at least one hole disposed between the at least one tab and the upper end, the at least one hole configured to receive at least one post of one or more ornaments.
 8. The post of claim 6, wherein the at least one triangular portion disposed above the at least two tabs is configured to rest upon an upper surface of the upper base when the at least one display post is fully inserted into the at least one gap of the upper base. 